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Rangers keeping tabs on trade target Garza

Rangers keeping tabs on trade target Garza

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Garza's solid start 1:20

7/13/13: Matt Garza strikes out four Cardinals while only allowing two earned runs over 6 2/3 innings to earn his sixth win of the season

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

DETROIT -- The Rangers, in their ongoing search for starting pitching, continue to monitor Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. The Rangers had scouts in attendance at Wrigley Field on Saturday night to watch Garza pitch against the Cardinals.

Garza, who has been a target for the Rangers for the past couple of years, allowed two runs on 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out four, raising his record to 6-1 with a 3.17 ERA in 11 starts.

The Cubs have been in a selling mode the past few weeks, having already traded pitchers Scott Feldman and Carlos Marmol and outfielder Scott Hairston in three separate deals. They began Sunday in fourth place in the National League Central, 14 games out of first place, and the Rangers are among the teams that have inquired about Garza.

The Rangers have made no secret about their desire to upgrade a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries. But the Rangers are also optimistic that internal relief is coming soon. Yu Darvish is on the disabled list with a strained trapezius muscle but is expected to be activated July 22 to pitch against the Yankees.

Alexi Ogando could pitch the next day. Ogando, who is on the disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder, is scheduled to throw 95 pitches in a start for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday. If he clears that hurdle, he could pitch against the Yankees on July 23.